Hamza Al-Mustapha In Court

The 13 -year long trial of former chief security officer to Nigeria's infamous dictator, General Sanni Abacha ended dramatically today leading to a death sentence pronounced by a Lagos High court judge. Hamza Al Mustapha had ordered the killing of pro-democracy activist, Kudirat Abiola on June 4 1996 in broad daylight during the dark days of military despotism.

Today's verdict didn't come as a surprise to many that had yearned for justice, but Al Mustapha, known for theatrics and trial delay tricks also made dramatic appearance after the verdict. He acknowledged a small crowd that cheered him on. The man who was once one of the the most feared military officers is facing nemesis for his acts of impunity as an enforcer to a deadly military dictator. Al Mustapha was led to the death row in Kirikiri prison in Lagos after the verdict. But it wasn't without the support of a  former Wimbledon soccer star, John Fashanu, who came to court to cheer for hitman.